Which term describes a knee meniscal tear in which a portion is torn and displaced?

• A. Radial tear
• B. Flap tear
• C. Bucket-handle tear
• D. Vertical tear

Answer: (C)

Bucket-handle tear describes a vertical longitudinal meniscal tear in which a sizeable central fragment tears away and becomes displaced, often flipping into the knee joint’s notch. That displaced piece resembles a bucket handle, and its movement can cause mechanical symptoms like locking. The key idea is the torn portion actually moves out of its normal position, which is the hallmark of a bucket-handle tear. In contrast, radial tears cut from the inner edge across the width of the meniscus but don’t describe a displaced fragment; flap tears involve a loose flap of tissue but aren’t defined by a large displaced midsection; and a vertical tear is a general longitudinal tear without necessarily involving displacement.